Brothers and sisters, we urge you to warn those who are lazy. Encourage those who are timid. Take tender care of those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

1 Thessalonians 5: 14 (NLT)

Beth Moore recently celebrated twenty years of writing and publishing Bible Studies for women that include a workbook and video. My first study was about 12 years ago, in a small group with just the workbook. We didn’t even know she had an accompanying video.

After moving to Arizona, I attended the complete study on Daniel and it has been a “love affair” ever since. She speaks my language. I learn something new every time.

I’m currently studying Children of the Day — 1 & 2 Thessalonians. This weeks lesson had some thought-provoking questions. Beth stated,”The social ethics of our culture have turned the way we communicate inside out.”

I called my daughter and we started talking about social media and its effects.There is no doubt that our culture and communication has changed dramatically. We mentioned some of the things that are standards for our particular generations that we don’t even question: microwaves, records, cell phones, cassette players, Walkman, TV remotes. It will be so different for my grandgirlies.

I started pondering what our communication looks like today. Valentine’s Day has passed and I realized that texting and smiley face emoticons were just not cutting it for me, even though the cards had been mailed and received. Hearing voices and listening to words, seeing faces and sharing emotions are becoming a lost art. I wanted to talk to the girls.

No one loves technology more than I do, but there is something sweet and tender about a written thank you note or that phone call or FaceTime strictly to say “I love you and miss you.”

Life is busy and technology allows us to stay connected. But true closeness carries risk. It’s easier to send an email or text.  However, to have the trust and freedom to challenge or encourage a friend requires personal communication and interaction.

Something to think about.